God’s Ways (Romans 11:33)

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33).

Today I received an email that reminded me of a recent tragedy that befell two of our missionary friends. The email came from the adult children of the two missionaries who recently passed away within a month-and-a-half of each other. These two missionaries have sent us email for at least several years.

This year, their emails were more personal because the wife was ill for a long time. Before she died, we had all prayed for her. Every time the Lord brought a verse to mind, I would reply their email and send some verses. Here are some of them.

“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).

***

“So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, ‘Please heal her, O God, I pray!'” (Numbers 12:13).

***

“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 103:1-5

Then in June, I received an email saying that the wife had passed away on June 3, 2021. It was so sad. She has gone to be with Jesus, and we rejoice, but we grieve with those who are left behind. I replied with a verse from Nehemiah.

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b).

One month later, their adult children wrote to us saying that their father had fallen in their house, and one day later passed away on July 21, 2021. He would no longer be sending us emails but his children would continue the ministry. I am glad that the two missionaries had raised godly children who can now carry on their legacy in the mission field (they managed a Christian school and organized church in Europe).

The father’s death was so sudden that I am still stunned. Today the children sent me an email with a couple of videos of their parents. I replied saying I cannot watch them now because I will be very sad. However, I mentioned Romans 8:28.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

When they replied immediately saying that that has been a reminder verse for them at this time, I sent them Romans 11:33. I know that God’s Word would encourage them.

God is sovereign. God is good no matter what. God knows best. God allows what He allows. To God be the glory!

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